Brand Shorty 3/2mm Bzip Flatlock unisex wetsuit

Our tips for choosing

Insulation

A thin wetsuit (2-3 mm) is often sufficient in summer, while a thicker one of 4/5 mm will be necessary in cold water. On the water, unless there's a complete calm under a blazing sun, it's rarely too hot: so it's better to plan for more than less! The breathable drysuit, on the other hand, is certainly more expensive but extremely efficient: it ensures total waterproofing and can be worn with warm clothes underneath.

Freedom of movement

You need to be able to bend, stand up and move easily to maneuver on the boat, and possibly swim even if that wasn't the initial objective.

Prioritize comfort and fit

The principle behind a neoprene wetsuit is to allow a very thin layer of water to penetrate the skin, which the body then warms, creating a thermal barrier. For this to work, the wetsuit must fit as snugly as possible. If it's too loose, water will enter and the wetsuit won't warm you up, or may even cool you down; if it's too tight, it will quickly become uncomfortable. If you're unsure about your size, it's best to consult a size guide.

Look at the reinforcements at the knees and buttocks

They provide protection when sitting or moving around on the boat, particularly on a catamaran where kneeling is very repetitive, with a trampoline that can sometimes be abrasive. Knee pads, an inexpensive accessory often overlooked, are very effective in protecting the knees, both those of a person in the broadest sense of the term and those of their suit!

Choose an easy-to-use closure

Especially for putting it on and taking it off quickly before or after sailing. There are several models, the simplest to put on being the long john+top, then the models with back closure, and finally those with chest closure, generally offering a much higher level of waterproofing than the others.